Page 12 of Pampered in Paris

But where is Alexandre?

I get up and nonchalantly make the bed. Maybe Alexandre went home already. He doesn’t seem like the type of guy that would leave without a goodbye. He’s so kind and thoughtful, more than just with lovemaking, but he genuinely seems to care. He asked me questions about my likes and dislikes, my family, and my thoughts on things. It’s nice to feel like the center of attention for a change and to feel like my voice matters.

With my ex-husband, it all started out great but everything sort of went downhill after our engagement. Although, I suppose it was actually after his promotion that he accepted a few weeks after we got engaged. Work was always more important than me. If the topic of conversation wasn’t related to his job, then it floated in one ear and out the other.

I don’t know why I clung so deeply to his promises of change. We never went on a honeymoon, we never traveled unless it was family or work related. I toss all the throw pillows back onto the bed before heading to the bathroom. As I wrap the fluffy bathrobe around myself, I hear the door open.

“Anne?” Alexandre’s deep voice calls out from the entryway.

God, I love his voice. It’s like a warm honey dripping over me.

“You’re here!” I don’t even try to hide the excitement in my voice. Alexandre is standing in my doorframe, holding two coffees and a small paper bag. He’s a little disheveled, his hair sticking up everywhere and his clothes from yesterday all wrinkled.

“But of course,mon trésor! I didn’t want to wake you by trying to make coffee so I went out to grab some. Also, I grabbed some pastries. I know you said you like chocolate, so I got you a very classicpain au chocolat.” He sets things down on the kitchen island and comes over to kiss me.

Alexandre tugs at my robe’s belt, pulling me close to him. His lips are soft pressed against mine. The kiss is gentle. He lightly rubs his thumb over my lips before we untangle ourselves.

“The coffee smells amazing,” I say and make my way over to the island.

“What are your plans today?” he questions me as he pulls pastries out of the paper bag.

“Nothing is set in stone. It’s supposed to be on the hotter side today so I was thinking about a swim. Would you care to join me?” Alexandre laughs in response. My brows pull tight and I wrinkle my nose. “Why are you laughing?” I eye him suspiciously.

He removes his shirt as he continues to chuckle. “I’m not embarrassed about a few love bites, but I think you may not want me by your side for a pool day.”

Along his right clavicle and shoulder are multiple blossoming bruises. They range in size and different stages of purple and green.

“I’m so sorry.” I wince as I take them all in. I can feel a slight blush creeping up, my neck getting warm despite the A/C in the apartment. I tug my robe a little tighter, hoping it hides the red blossoming on my chest.

“Nothing to apologize for. We were in the throes of passion.” He kisses my forehead and hands me apain au chocolat. This little moment makes me feel as if we live together, the two of us in sync as we move about my rental space.

“Okay, no pool day. Do you work? Should we get lunch later?” I munch on the pastry. It’s light and flaky with the right amount of chocolate. Alexandre knows his cafés. This is delightful.

“No, I texted François this morning that I was taking another night off. He’s shocked, of course. I don’t think I’ve asked for two days off in a row for years.” He sips his coffee. “Is there anything you wanted to do but weren’t able to book?”

I can’t believe he’s taking time off to spend my vacation time with me.

“I checked out doing a dinner on one of those boats that cruises along the Seine, but they were already booked way out. Other than that, I do want to see theBasilique du Sacré-Cœurand wander aroundMontmartre. It seems like a lovely place to walk around without a plan.” I mull over my list of things to do if I had time in Paris. “We already had a picnic in a park, so maybe show me around Paris? It’s too nice of a day to spend inside a museum.”

“New experiences coming up formon trésor.” He kisses my cheek. I can’t get enough of his kisses. “How about you take a bubble bath and I’ll run home to change? I can be back in anhour or two. I may swing by the restaurant and grab some small bites to bring along.”

“A bath does sound relaxing for my muscles. Okay, see you in a few hours.”

Alexandre cups my face in his hands and kisses my lips tenderly, barely lingering. We say goodbye, and I head to the bathroom as he gathers his things and leaves. He takes a second set of keys so I don’t have to follow and lock the door below behind him.

With a spring in my step, I look forward to walking around Paris with Alexandre. And perhaps, another night together.

Alexandre

I watch Anne as she heads to her bathroom. When I collect my things, I notice a bundle of papers with theLe Cordon Bleulogo on the top. I pick them up and look them over. It seems as if Anne is applying to the pastry track atLe Cordon Bleuhere in Paris.

Did she already apply?

Will she stay in Pairs if she gets in?

My heart races as I think about all the possibilities that this application could mean. She’s already filled everything out; nothing is missing. I look around to see if Anne is already in the bathroom. She’s out of sight and I can hear the tub water running.

I swipe her application. I know some people atLe Cordon Bleuand will check to see if she’s applied. If not, then I may hand these over, maybe put a good word in for her. Anne has all the passion and determination to make it through pastry school.

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